First Walk!

Day 12 - and I was able to do something I havent' done in almost 2 years - take a walk! Strapped on my back brace, my iPod and grabbed my cane and made it about 1/4 mile I think. Wish it had been longer, but I started to get wobbly, so thought I wouldn't push it. It was amazing - walking without increasing pain, bright blue sky and sun, listening to music and feeling my muscles! It was so nice to be myself again...:)

Just when you thought it was safe....

...another pain comes your way :)

Day 11 after surgery. Still a miracle - I am down to using a cane now, but the nerve pain in my right (my "good" leg) is becoming a serious problem sometimes. I know I pushed it this week, though. Put in full days, waking up at around 7am each day, helping to get the boys to school, Physical therapy on Wednesday morning for about 2 hours, appointment with Dr. Haroun plus Xrays on Thursday all morning....but last night, I was in excrutiating pain in my right leg where my numbness/nerve pain is now. Couldn't hack the bed - after 1am, I came downstairs to settle in a recliner for the rest of the night's restless sleep. It wasn't until I got up at 7am and had my wits about me that I thought about giving myself an allowed double dose of pain meds that totally relieved the pain. Why don't I think about that while I'm writhing in pain in the middle of the night? At least I know it works and I'll remember it tonight - however, I think the recliner is still the best way to go for rest.

God Bless George- he's finished his "care week" for me by staying overnight down in the recliner, too. He's had a rough week as well, but I'm so blessed that he could be here with me. Next week, it's Diane's turn and I hope it's not too tough on her :)

Surgery day plus 4

Good morning, everyone :) Home at last! I thought I'd write more before the surgery Monday, but my mind was racing and so terrified I just couldn't put anything down in words. And after...well, let's just say that afterwards typing, sitting up, just about anything was not in my repetoire of activities.

So yesterday afternoon I was able to leave the hospital and come home and I feel so much better being here, even though the pain is still here.

I have a terrible case of "drop foot" on my "good" side, but keep walking and walking hoping it goes away. I think it is. I'm only using Tylenol now, since all the narcotics kept stopping all intestinal activity...not a good thing, I'll assure you.

Big project of the day - figuring out how to shower and wash my hair. I'll let you know how it goes :)

T minus 8 and counting...

Today marks the last stress-free weekend before the big surgery. After two years of putting it off, I'm scheduled for spinal fusion of my L4/L5 on Monday, May 10th. I figure I may need a record of what goes on the next few weeks for my own records, so here goes!

In all ways, I am so ready for this. And the pain and pressure are worse each day, so I am always so glad when I am in pain now that I have a hope of relief one day. At this point, I rest fairly comfortably in our recliners and on my side in bed. Shopping is still hard - I feel pain before I get to the front door and any shopping after ten minutes is SO hard. I drag my feet while hanging on the cart and feel more and more pressure pushing down on my spine and legs. These are the times I am dying to have that surgery!

I'm due to be at the hospital at 5:45am on the morning of surgery. It'll be interesting to see how much sleep I get that night :)....